This month The Fab 5 is bringing you our Top 5 picks around the fleet of Toyota brand cars we had the pleasure of reviewing. As you all know I’m a new mom again so The Hubs aka Fab Dad did all the driving.
Here are our 5 Favorite things about the Toyota RAV4 plus what he loved and where he went.
Blind Side Sensor
Hands down this was my favorite feature. Having to turn my head, judge distance and speed and so much more is overwhelming at times. All this highway driving and with Little Z sitting near the door, I think about side impact accidents all the time. Just one less thing to worry about even though one should still take the traditional precautions.
Apps, Apps, Apps & Bluetooth
The weather and traffic can be so unpredictable so why not know what’s going on with the press of a button? Total win for a busy mom or dad on the go.
I can talk remotely in my car but that’s after plugging my phone in to the outlet thing that allows that. Clue the Bluetooth! Give it to me.
Backup Camera
For any parent, having a backup camera is imperative. Any time I see a back up collision or rollover I get freaked out. Don’t you? That camera is truly a life saver.
Navigation
Will always be a mom top pick especially when you live in a place where over 20 streets have the same name and no matter how hard you try you somehow get turned around even in an area you’ve frequented. The Hubs has been in ATL so long and still uses navigation.
Automatic Rear Lift Gate
Baby, sleeping toddler, groceries, baby bags, cups, the toy that must come in the car but has to come back in the house, strollers and more. Who has time to lift and close the trunk on their own? Press a button and watch the magic happen. I still remember the Jetsons, do you?
Fab Dad agreed with my top 5 picks but of course he had others:
Speed
The RAV4 is fast. The Hubs had to remind himself to stick to the speed limit. He reported back how quick the pickup is. He used the technical jargon. All I could decipher is it’s fast and he loved it!
Design
The two toned leather seats were a big hit with the Hubs. Me? Sure they are nice but I just want a comfy seat that’s stain resistant at the ends of the day. LOL. He loved how sleek the body of the RAV4 is too.
I had big plans for us to take a short trip to Callaway Gardens with the girls and Baby E however my recovery didn’t go as planned and this mama was practically bed ridden these last 3 weeks. The Hubs enjoyed driving the RAV4 for these 5 every day outings:
- Chauffeured the girls around
- Chick Fil A
- Grocery shopping and pharmacy
- Target
- Gym
Overall we loved driving the RAV4. It would be nice to have the latest model as a second car but we would need one of Toyota’s full family size vehicles for our crew. Toyota Highlander anyone?
It was tough getting the convertible car seat and the booster seat in plus room for a third person. The infant car seat can not be installed in the center seat when the convertible is in. If I had one recommendation for Toyota it would be to add additional latch for the center seat. I did not feel comfortable nor would I ever place a newborn anywhere but the center of the car. You can see the two car seats in the pic above to illustrate the space in the backseat. Baby E was not in the seat for obvious reasons.
Since mom and baby spent most of the week home, Big Z,Little Z, Fab Dad and all the girls knickknacks enjoyed the luxuries of the RAV4. As Little Z said “Car pretty” and indeed the 2015 RAV4 is a pretty sweet car.
See what the rest of the Fab 5 had to say about the cars they reviewed:
Bernetta: Lexus 460LS
LaShawn: Toyota Scion
Kita: Lexus IS 350 Sport
Mimi: Toyota Hybrid Prius
12 Comments
Mimi
June 5, 2015 at 10:32 AMThe interior is beautiful. Love the two tone.I agree a latch would be the perfect addition for the center seat.
M J
June 8, 2015 at 4:03 PMThanks Mimi. Yes so fancy. I didn’t want to send it back. That center seat dedicated latch is a must. I hope they take that idea for the next Rav-4
Stacie
June 6, 2015 at 6:14 PMCongrats on the new baby! Wow, you ladies have been doing big things! This looks like a great family car. Just what I need!
M J
June 8, 2015 at 4:02 PMThanks Stacie. It is a really great car. It is perfect for a small family and if a bigger car is needed I think the Highlander is the perfect option.
Holly
June 6, 2015 at 8:41 PMLooks like a really nice car. Not sure about the color of the interior, would have to see that in person. I love that it has a back up cam. Those come in handy.
M J
June 8, 2015 at 4:02 PMIt looks really good in person. And yes to the backup camera. I feel they are a must.
LaShawn
June 7, 2015 at 8:35 PMI love the seats! And the rear camera is awesome. I’ve used it before!
And Look at Ms Zoe!
M J
June 8, 2015 at 4:01 PMYes ma’am all the bells and whistles in this car plus the design. Cars have certainly changed.
Christine @MomsNCharge
June 7, 2015 at 8:55 PMLook…you don’t need to even write any words. Just put Z in all the pics and ask her for quotes! #SOLD lol Love it 🙂 I wouldn’t be able to use this as a family car seeing as how we still have two in carseats and one in a booster. But I’m a huge Toyota fan.
M J
June 8, 2015 at 4:00 PMRight Christine. She can sell anything. Yes I love Toyota too. The Highlander would be perfect for your family and mine.
Vashti (veepeejay.com)
June 7, 2015 at 11:04 PMSo Zoe took over the entire post lol. I couldn’t even concentrate on the car specs..so Fab Dad Lol.
M J
June 8, 2015 at 4:00 PMLOL. As she always does. Fab Dad. He hates that name but I love it. Ha